John

John presents Jesus as the eternal Word who became flesh, emphasizing His divine identity and the necessity of believing in Him for eternal life. Unlike the synoptic gospels, John organizes material thematically rather than chronologically, selecting seven signs demonstrating Jesus' glory and lengthy discourses revealing His identity. The prologue declares that the Word existed from the beginning, was with God, was God, and through Him all things were made. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.

John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the world's sin. Jesus calls disciples and performs His first sign at Cana, turning water to wine, revealing His glory. Jesus cleanses the temple, teaches Nicodemus about being born again through the Spirit, and reveals God's love in giving His Son so that whoever believes may have eternal life. Jesus ministers in Samaria, revealing Himself as Messiah to the woman at the well.

The second sign heals a nobleman's son. Jesus heals a lame man at Bethesda on the Sabbath, claiming equality with God by calling God His Father, asserting that He gives life and executes judgment. Jesus feeds five thousand (the third sign), walks on water (fourth sign), and teaches that He is the bread of life come down from heaven—eating His flesh and drinking His blood is necessary for eternal life. Many disciples leave, offended.

At the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus teaches in the temple, claiming to be the light of the world, arguing with religious leaders about His identity and authority. He declares that before Abraham was, 'I AM'—claiming the divine name. Jesus gives sight to a man born blind (fifth sign), exposing the Pharisees' spiritual blindness. The good shepherd discourse contrasts Jesus' self-sacrificing love with hired hands.

At Hanukkah, Jesus claims He and the Father are one. When Lazarus dies, Jesus deliberately delays before raising him (sixth sign), declaring Himself the resurrection and the life. This prompts the Sanhedrin to plot Jesus' death. Mary anoints Jesus, and He enters Jerusalem triumphantly.

Jesus teaches that unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit. The Last Supper includes Jesus washing disciples' feet, predicting betrayal, giving the new commandment to love one another, promising the Holy Spirit as Comforter, and the vine and branches discourse. Jesus' high priestly prayer asks for His disciples' sanctification and for all believers' unity. After arrest and trials, Jesus is crucified.

John emphasizes fulfilled prophecies and Jesus' sovereign control even in death. The seventh sign is resurrection. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and Thomas, inviting him to touch His wounds. John concludes that these things are written that readers might believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and believing have life in His name.